Clamp Down On Lawless Delivery Cyclists, Says Mr Loophole & Cycling Safety Champion!
The country’s best known traffic lawyer and a cycling safety champion have joined forces in condemning lawless delivery bike riders who endanger pedestrians, drivers and fellow cyclists.
The move by Nick Freeman, aka Mr Loophole, and cycling vigilante Dave Sherry, comes amid growing concerns that cycling dispatch riders and food delivery riders frequently jump red lights, ride on pavements and ride at night without lights.
The pair cite riders working for Deliveroo as some of the worst offenders, despite the company claiming that safety of their riders and other roads users was a priority, and insist all riders wear hi-viz clothing.
Mr Freeman and Mr Sherry are now urging Government to regulate companies that use cyclists to deliver goods and call on the police to strictly enforce the law, which makes it a crime to cycle on footpaths, ride at night without lights and to jump red lights.
For a number of years Mr Freeman – whose clients include Jeremy Clarkson and David Beckham – has said it should be mandatory for cyclists to have insurance, wear helmets and hi-viz clothing, and have a registration plate fixed to their bicycles.
However, despite the government spending millions of pounds on cycling superhighways and encouraging people to swap their cars for bikes, it has not responded on this matter.
Mr Freeman said: “Deliveroo and other business that use riders to deliver goods have a duty to ensure those people working on its behalf are properly equipped for the job and, as a minimum if using bicycles, to know the Highway Code.
“In fact, before they strap one of Deliveroo’s insulated bags to their backs – which in my mind should be reflective and have an identifying number on it – the minimum the riders should undergo is a cycling proficiency test.
“The time has come now for the Government to look at introducing legislation which will regulate cycling and these types of businesses. Whilst Deliveroo will say the riders are self-employed, the company must be responsible for the welfare and safety of those who work on their behalf.
“Likewise, they must assume some responsibility if the riders break the law. Just like their colleagues who ride motorbikes, those on bicycles must be identifiable and therefore accountable. If that was the case, then I’m sure we would see far less lawlessness.”
Dave Sherry, who has made a name for himself filming and challenging motorists breaking the law, said: “I’m in total agreement with Nick on this issue.
“It is crucial that cyclists also follow the letter of the law, and I suspect those who ignore red lights or cycle on footpaths do so because they think they will never be caught. A lack of identification renders them anonymous.
“I’ve filmed Deliveroo riders take terrible risks. Many ride at night without lights and they often ignore red traffic lights. Very few wear reflective clothing. And, in case they are involved in an accident, they should be insured.
“I get incredibly angry when I see drivers illegally using mobile phones. I get equally angry when cyclists break the law. When they do, they are a danger not only to themselves, but also to others.”
A video taken by Mr Sherry showing a Deliveroo rider riding along a busy London at street at night, without lights and ignoring red traffic lights, can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/-rEOWGgLJcs?t=1m38s